VA Database Stolen

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced May 22 that an employee who is a data analyst took home electronic data without authorization which subsequently was stolen from his home. The data contained names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth for up to 26.5 million veterans and some spouses, as well as some disability ratings. Affected are veterans who were discharged from 1975 and afterward, and some who were discharged earlier and had filed a claim with the department. The data did not include VA’s electronic health records or financial information, said VA officials. Law enforcement agencies including the FBI and the VA Inspector General’s office are investigating. VA is working with members of Congress, the news media, veterans service organizations, and other government agencies to inform the at-risk veterans and their families, and explain steps to take to protect themselves from misuse of their personal information.